With the foundational search steps complete, our Search Partner is actively pursuing candidates who have been identified through their network, as well as researching those who have responded to the profile mailings, postings, and advertisements.  This stage of the search is what is known as the "quiet phase" – when there is quite a bit of behind-the-scenes activity going on in the cultivation of candidates, but there is little visible activity on the school front.

Our consultants have let us know that there is already good, early interest in the Head of School position.  Thus far, there have been inquiries from several local Montessori Heads of Schools, some administrators from the independent school community, and several candidates from the university environment.  It is our expectation that the strongest candidates will advance to in-person interviews by the Fall.  We’re on our way to finding our next Head of School!

Over the last several months, the Search Committee has worked closely with our Search Partner to complete all activities necessary to launching the formal search for a new Head of School.  Clariden parents, faculty, and administration had the opportunity to share their views on current strengths of the school, opportunities for improvement, and qualities desired in a new Head through focus groups and an on-line survey.  A position profile was then developed using information gleaned from the focus groups, survey results, and additional input from key administrators and Board members.  In addition to being posted on The Clariden School and The Education Group websites, the profile has been circulated to Montessori school directors, heads of independent schools, and professionals targeted with experience and background that would make them strong candidates for this position.  A shorter version of the position profile has been posted on a number of professional websites that attract interest from Montessorian and other educational leaders.

With these foundational steps complete, we’re off and running, looking for exceptional candidates for Clariden’s next Head of School.

The Search Committee is happy to announce that the Head of School Search Questionnaire will be open and ready for your input within the next 24 hours! Look for an e-mail shortly with details on how to access the survey. Your input is very important to us as we move forward with the process of selecting our next Head so be sure to participate!

The Search Committee met with Mary Kesler and Allison Lorimer from our Search Partner, The Education Group, on February 2^nd to get further aligned on the overall search approach and make progress on planning key upcoming activities.  In this meeting, a number of important items were covered, including:  the approach to building out a formal position description, a timeline for finalizing a school stakeholder survey that is to be distributed before the end of February, and an agenda for on-site visit by Mary and Allison in early March (for focus groups, interviews, and meetings).  We look forward to input from all of you as this effort moves forward, as it is important that the search is informed not only by the school’s strategic plan, but also by your input on what makes Clariden special and what qualities are most desirable a new Head of School are critical.

Having received notice from David Deuel of his intent to depart Clariden at the end of the 2010/2011 academic year, the Clariden Board of Directors has started the exciting process of searching for a new Head of School.  The search is a critical one, as we will be looking for a leader who has had a broad range of experiences that will well position him or her for leading a school like Clariden, with a diverse base of Montessori and College Prep programs.  At the same time, we will be searching for a leader with an ability to help plan and execute initiatives that will advance our strategic plan.

Thus far, the Board has selected a Search Partner (The Education Group), established a Search Committee, and asked the Faculty Parent Council to serve in an advisory capacity throughout the search process. Please take a few minutes to read David Deuel’s letter and the Board letter as they provide some additional background as well as outline some key elements of the search process.